Protest: Gov imposes 24-hour curfew in Kano over looting

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Thursday declared a 24-hour curfew following the massive looting in public buildings in the state.

Yusuf spoke while addressing the people of the state.

“I am deeply dismayed by the actions of some individuals who have hijacked the ongoing protests in Kano State, resulting in the vandalism of public property.

“While I acknowledge the right of citizens to express their grievances, I strongly condemn the destructive behaviour of these disgruntled elements.

“To safeguard lives and property, I have decided to impose a 24-hour curfew across the state, effective immediately.

“I have also directed security agencies to deal decisively with any person or group found fomenting trouble or engaging in violent activities.

“This administration will not tolerate any actions that threaten the peace and stability of our great state,” he warned.

The governor, however, urge all law-abiding citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies as they worked to restore order and maintain the rule of law in all parts of the state.

Scores of protesters, had earlier on Thursday, August 1, 2024, invaded the Digital Industrial Park (DIP) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Kano State and looted equipment worth billions of naira.

The protesters looted the equipment after breaking into offices at the yet-to-be-commissioned park.

Confirming the incident, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salma Dogo, said a section of the industrial park was attacked by the protesters.

Dogo added that the generator house was set ablaze, while the offices at the NCC park were vandalised.

Protesters attack NCC office in Kano

He said the police along with security agencies had taken security measures to safeguard lives and property of the residents.

The park, which serves the northwestern region of Nigeria, was scheduled for commissioning on Wednesday, August 7.

The centre was established to promote the federal government’s digital economy initiative by training young Nigerians in digital entrepreneurship.

The centre is one of six located in each of the country’s geo-political zones.

Condemning the looting via a statement on X, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, noted: “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.

“Alongside 3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week.

“A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”

The Star